While business travellers generally feel secure using managed travel programmes, significant gaps in safety awareness and emergency preparedness remain, according to new research from BCD Travel.
A survey of 1,284 business travellers found that despite the availability of risk management tools, many employees are still unsure of how to access support. Nearly one third of respondents admitted they do not know where to find their company’s safety information, while 30% are uncertain about who to contact during an emergency.
The study also highlighted a psychological barrier to safety: 18% of travellers said they have hesitated to seek assistance because they weren’t sure if their situation was serious enough to warrant it. Furthermore, over a quarter of those surveyed turn to alternative, non-corporate sources for help during an incident.
Primary concerns
Transportation accidents (37%) and health emergencies (35%) rank as the top worries for those on the road. Crime and natural disasters follow closely, with each cited by roughly a third of participants. These concerns are actively influencing travel patterns with 11% of respondents reporting that they have cancelled a trip due to safety fears.
The 2026 Travel Outlook from BCD further notes that travellers are navigating an increasingly complex risk landscape, with the likes of regional tensions, disease risks and extreme weather all in play. Weather is perhaps the most disruptive. Indeed, of the 8% of travellers who required company support in the last year, weather-related events accounted for nearly 25% of cases.
The value of managed travel
Despite these underlying anxieties, there is a high level of confidence in managed travel options. The vast majority of travellers (86%) feel safe staying in hotels within their corporate programme, and over 70% view ride-hailing services and traditional taxis as safe choices.
Two-thirds of travellers rate their employer’s support during risk incidents as high or very high, though there is a clear appetite for better communication. While 27% are satisfied with current policies, an equal percentage are calling for improved engagement. The most sought-after resource is pre-trip destination information, which 30% of travellers would want.
Clarity over complexity
To bridge the gap between perceived safety and actual preparedness, the report suggests that employer engagement is vital. Common resources currently provided include 24/7 emergency support, risk alerts and flexible travel options, but many employees remain uncertain if their company’s safety measures are evolving to meet new risks.
“The research shows travellers want clarity, not complexity,” said Jorge Mesa, Senior Director of Travel Risk Management at BCD. “When people get simple guidance at the right moment, they feel more confident on the road. Insight and communication are key to shaping the future of safer business travel.”
